Simon on Ellen: Hate Her? I Barely Know Her!

Simon Cowell is finally setting the record straight and says he has no beef with ‘American Idol’s’ newest judge

The rumor mill is all a-buzz that departing judge Simon Cowell and newest addition Ellen DeGeneres are butting heads on American Idol. But is it true? Simon says heck no!

“I wouldn’t say we wouldn’t get on well. I don’t know her that well,” the British producer, 50, told reporters during a conference call Feb. 18.

He added of reports that he and Ellen, 52, had a bust-up during her first week of work, “She started work on Hollywood week which is a difficult thing to do. The truth [about that story] is that I showed up 15 to 20 minutes late because I had a press conference earlier in the day. There was no fall-out. I was trying to guide her through the week.”

Don’t believe he means it? The snarky judge is quick to point out the comedienne’s positive traits.

“Ellen is a good choice because she’s actually very responsible for people she has performing on her own show. I know that for a fact. She loves music and she’s been an artist.”

And there you have it! They may not be BFF’s, but Simon and Ellen are definitely not enemies!